Summer School: Global Solutions for Water Security
In collaboration with the esteemed Hannover Re Foundation, Falling Walls Engage and Falling Walls Lab are excited to introduce the Hannover Re Foundation Summer School. Scheduled from 27-30 September 2023, this 4-day intensive programme on global solutions for water security will bring together up to 40 early-career innovators and Science Engagers from around the world in Hannover, Germany, fostering knowledge sharing, idea exchange, and collaborative project development.
Programme
During the Summer School, invited participants will embark on the following comprehensive journey:
Participants will dive right in, exploring diverse topics, engaging with experts, and defining common objectives, laying the foundation for their projects.
Our Speakers:
- Franz Krause, University of Cologne, “What is water? Critical reflections on a not-so-clear question”
- Johanna Barnbeck, Spread the Nerd, “Science is for everyone”
- Jochen Hack, University of Hannover, “Blue-Green Infrastructures and Nature-based Solutions for Water Security in Cities”
- Regina Nogueira, University of Hannover, “Bioplastics: Production and Biodegradability”
- Mikhail Smilovic, International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis, “Simulating the water cycle”
Participants will identify challenges and risks, applying design thinking approaches to develop innovative solutions. Teams will form based on the most promising ideas, fuelling the spirit of collaboration.
Our Speakers:
- Thorsten Wagener, University of Potsdam, “Water extremes on the blue planet”
- Jonas Schorr & Sophie Persigehl, Urban Impact, “Business Model Thinking – Moving from an idea to a solution with Systemic Impact”
A day of intensive co-creation awaits, where participants will work together on technical, political, social, and entrepreneurial projects. Prototypes will be crafted, and scalable impact strategies will be outlined.
Our Speakers:
- Jonas Schorr & Sophie Persigehl, Urban Impact, “The Art of the Pitch – Why Storytelling Matters for Supporters, Stakeholders & Investors”
- Laura Kirchhoff & Uta Giebel, IMAP, “Impact-oriented monitoring”
The Summer School will culminate with teams presenting their ideas to the public and developing implementation and impact measurement roadmaps for their solutions. Attendees will cast their votes for the best solution developed during the Summer School. The team with the most promising concept will receive the opportunity to present their project at the prestigious Falling Walls Science Summit in November, granting them global exposure and recognition.
Public Closing Event
On the final day of the Summer School, all participants will present their “Global Solutions for Water Security” to the public. The closing & networking event will take place on site in Hannover on 30 September. Gain valuable insights into the future of water security and meet the people who are actively working on these issues worldwide. Register here.
“The summer school, with its concentrated expert knowledge, has the potential to reveal projects that really make a difference.”
Silke Sehm, Chair of the Board of Trustees for Sustainability, Hannover Re Foundation
The Falling Walls Foundation, together with the Hannover Re Foundation, is proud to spearhead this ambitious programme that strives to address climate change challenges, particularly in the realm of water security. By empowering early-career innovators and researchers to create impactful projects, we envision a future where scientific solutions transcend borders, creating a more resilient and sustainable world.
Additionally, if you’re interested in supporting this initiative and exploring ways to contribute, we’d love to hear from you. Feel free to get in touch with our dedicated team members. Your involvement could make a difference in shaping the future of water security solutions!
Further Activities to have a look at
